Jennifer Lopez Returning To 'American Idol'

But before Mariah Carey starts handcuffing herself to the judges’ panel and shrieking supersonic notes that only toy-sized Pomeranians can hear, someone should let her know it’s only as a performer, not reprising her role as “Idol” hopeful gatekeeper.

Mariah's crown is safe…for the moment.

After a supposed super secret operation to replace Mariah that rivaled the Cuban Missile Crisis was revealed, rumors started bouncing off the walls that Mariah and/or Nicki Minaj weren’t “going to Hollywood” in the season(s) to follow.

After this morning’s news, clearly, producers were in talks with J.Lo, but it was probably just to orchestrate this season finale performance, not some coup de Cârey, amutiny on Mariah.

However, the ratings speak for themselves, and this season was one of its worst.

“There will definitely be changes to the judging panel for next season,” a source told E! News. “Fox thought the Nicki-Mariah contrast would make for ratings, but there is concern it is like nails on [a] chalkboard for middle-America viewers.”

Jennifer would be like a bright shining light amid all this negativity. “Idol” is no stranger to stretching their season finales over multiple days; it’s not confirmed whether she’ll perform on the first (May 15) or second night (May 16) of it.